However, even the
FCD rookie was a bit surprised his debut came in week two against Columbus. Loyd
started at right back for the Hoops in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with the Crew before
leaving with about 15 minutes left as Hyndman wanted a bit more offense on the
field.

“I officially found
out after practice on Thursday,” the FCD rookie said. “It came as a little bit
of a surprise that they were going to give me an opportunity this early in the
season. “I was really nervous and excited. After the first few minutes, you get
back into it like its practice. My teammates were helping me and talking me up
all the way to game time.”

One thing Loyd
didn’t do was tell his family right away. His parents and 2-year-old son were
making the drive down from Oklahoma, as they plan to do for every FCD home
game.

“I actually waited until they came down
here [to tell them],” he admitted. “I didn’t want too many people finding out.
I didn’t want people calling me. I wanted to just mentally get ready for the
game.”

And when asked how
much it meant to have his family present for his professional debut, Loyd was
at a bit of a loss for words.

“It’s kind of hard to describe because
they’ve done so much for me,” he said. “Growing up, they would take me to
practice 45 minutes away every day. With all the support they gave me, it was a
really special moment.”

On Hyndman’s part,
the coach offered a decent review of Loyd’s first start.

“Offensively, he had
a couple of passes that missed his target,” Hyndman said. “We’ve just got to
make sure we play balls to midfielders’ feet. That gives them a chance to
protect and a chance to get fouled. But if we miss the player, then it’s a
counterattack. He’s a quick learner. I think he did very well for himself.”

Loyd was also pleased with his debut.

“I thought defensively, I was pretty
strong on one-v-ones,” he said. “They had a hard time getting around me.
Offensively, I had some bad turnovers. I would try to spray balls in the middle
and lose them in the defensive third, which is a really dangerous spot. I need
to get sharper on offense and just be aware of my surroundings when I’m going
forward. I think that’s my next step.”